6 Tips to Help Keep Your Child Safe

Childhood medical emergencies are rare, but when they do occur, they are due to two causes: injuries and illnesses. Quick action and appropriate treatment can help prevent the injury or illness from worsening and becoming life-threatening, says pediatric urgent care doctor, Janet Volpe, M.D., of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s (PAMF’s) Palo Alto Center.

Injuries are the leading cause of death in children from 1 to 21 years of age, Dr. Volpe says, and motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of childhood injuries. Always use age-appropriate car seats and booster seats, and remember that the safest place for a child is in the back seat.

Dr. Volpe shares some tips for parents on how to prevent—and respond to—the most common injuries and illnesses.

1 Keep first-aid kits within easy reach in your home and car. If your child suffers from a specific medical condition, such as a severe allergy, asthma or diabetes, have appropriate medication in your first-aid kits.

2 Keep emergency phone numbers on hand in your cell phone or on a card in your wallet. Include contact information for your child’s physician, emergency medical services, poison control, local hospitals and dentists, and a nearby relative or friend.

3 Take a CPR class.

4 Make sure your child always wears appropriate protective gear, including bicycle helmets, knee pads and other protective equipment when riding a bike or playing sports.

5 Check your home for safety hazards, and child-proof any area of your home where your child spends time.

6 Leave emergency phone numbers for your babysitter, and ensure he or she is prepared for emergencies by having taken a CPR class. Always let your sitter know how to reach you. Sitters should also be aware of any allergies your child has and medications he or she is taking.